I don't really want to be born again

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The Golden Bridge was wide and spacious. The thousand-strong army, excluding those who had followed along, marched across it in a sparse and scattered manner. Wang Lu, accompanied by the bookworms, strolled behind them, chatting merrily. There was no trace of tension among the group.

The average quality of the thousand-strong army was extremely high. Most of them were talented individuals from illustrious families. However, even these elites could not escape the trials and tribulations of their ascension path. Maintaining composure and tranquility was no easy feat. Those who had managed to achieve a serene and effortless ascent were truly exceptional.

As Wang Lu had impressed everyone with his initial performance, many people approached him with flattering words.

"It's been a while since I last saw you."

Wang Lu was engaged in a lively conversation with the bookworms when someone interrupted him. "Do you owe me money?"

"That's not true."

"Then why are you looking at me like that?"

"It seems you have no interest in me."

"So what? Are you just showing off?"

"To be honest, I don't know who you are."

The man chuckled. "It seems you've forgotten something important..." He bowed respectfully. "I am Hai Yunfan from the Cloud Prefecture. I met you in the Grand Hall of the Ru Jia Guest House seven days ago."

Wang Lu furrowed his brow, as if struggling to recall something. "Oh, you're the youth who gave me advice on ascending to heaven... What guidance do you have for me?"

"I cannot offer guidance. Curiosity is enough. Everyone is tense and nervous about their ascent, yet you remain calm and composed. There must be some secret to it."

Wang Lu chuckled. "You're asking for advice again? This is a matter of personal exploration. There's no point in following in others' footsteps."

Hai Yunfan nodded thoughtfully. "So you truly understand the challenges of ascending to heaven?"

"I have not read any guides."

Wang Luchen responded, "It's because of my strength. I don't care about those trivial matters. The path to ascension is as straightforward as can be for me."

His words stirred the serene atmosphere, causing the clouds to dim and the flowers to lose their vibrant hues.

Wang Luchen also stood up, a clear and refreshing breeze blowing through his hair. He glanced around, unfazed by the empty surroundings.

Hu Yunfan sighed, "I wonder if there will be a thunderbolt strike. I declared my prowess at the entrance of Lingjian Gate, knowing it might provoke divine retribution. But I'm not afraid."

Wang Luchen chuckled, "You're Hu Yunfan? I'll remember that. When I enter the mountain gate, I'll remember to cover you."

"As you wish." Hu Yunfan bowed respectfully and approached Wang Luchen, walking side by side. The young scholar trailed behind them.

Wang Luchen didn't mind and inquired, "I recall you're the second son of an official?"

"Indeed."

"Your father is quite renowned."

"Fortunately, I am the emperor of the Yun Tai Empire."

"My goodness, you have three thousand concubines?"

"Well, to summarize, why did you abandon your promising path and come here?"

Hu Yunfan smiled, "What meaning is there in worldly power compared to the wonders of immortality? As for cultivation, it wouldn't be difficult for the Yun Tai Imperial Family to arrange for me to join any ordinary sect. But in the Yun Tai Empire, there are renowned monasteries like Bai Long Guan and Ciyun Mountain, both among the Four Supreme Sects of the Xian Alliance..." He paused, a hint of sarcasm in his voice, "But compared to the Five Great Sects, our Four-Rank cultivation is like chewing wax."

Hu Yunfan glanced at the sky, a deep sigh escaping his lips. "These days, apart from the Five Great Sects, there are hardly any sects that can truly touch the Dao of Immortality. Among the countless sects, only these five truly possess the path of transcendence. Since I am determined to cultivate, naturally I must seek the path of transcendence. Otherwise, it's better to remain an earthly emperor."

Wang Luchen was amazed, "You actually know quite a lot."

"Naturally. It's not some secret. Those who come to seek ascension in Lingjian Mountain are all prepared to face any challenges."

Wang Luchen shrugged, a playful smile on his face. "Well, I guess life is just one big test. I might as well prepare for the ultimate challenge."

The two men continued their walk side by side, ascending the steep Golden Bridge. Despite the perilous climb, neither of them felt fatigued. As they ascended, they left the group behind.

Hu Yunfan glanced back and remarked, "To think, since the previous Ascension Conference a century ago, the Five Great Sects have never opened their mountain gates so widely. This must be a truly extraordinary event."

Wang Luchen nodded, "Indeed. It's like hosting a grand banquet in the heavens."

Hu Yunfan chuckled, "These people are not merely worldly figures. At least based on what I know, over 80% of them possess natural spiritual roots, which means they are all potential monks."

The young disciples of Wang Zhong were amazed at Hai Yunfan's prowess. He chuckled and asked, "How do you know all this?"

Turning back, Hai Yunfan replied, "Do not underestimate the prince of the Cloud Tai Empire. Many here can name their masters. Who dares to ascend Spirit Sword Mountain? Among the five major schools, Spirit Sword Mountain and Kunlun Immortal Mountain are renowned ancient sects. Spirit Sword Mountain has never had a human spiritual root until now. How can anyone climb it without courting disgrace?"

As Hai Yunfan spoke, Wang Lu remained unfazed, but the young disciple's face grew grim, hinting at the items in his backpack.

Suddenly, Hai Yunfan chuckled and said, "Well, to tell you the truth, this time's Ascension Conference only accepts those under twelve. Perhaps they've changed their stubborn ways?" He paused and added, "Out of a thousand, only two adults remain. It seems they're here to gamble on their luck."

As they continued walking on the Golden Bridge, gradually enveloped in mist, the town behind them had shrunk to the size of a matchbox. The young disciple hurried after them, his head bowed in silence.

Despite this, the Golden Bridge seemed to have no end. The surrounding mist swirled endlessly, and many weary youths stood still, their faces pale. Unknowingly, the group had already moved to the front of the line.

Wang Lu sighed and said, "You weaklings! You've only covered a short distance, and you're already exhausted. Your bodies are like empty wine casks."

Hai Yunfan blushed slightly at these words. Zhang opened his mouth to retort, but remained silent.

Wang Zhong complained, "Master, this path is so arduous. I can barely keep going."

Wang Lu sighed and took Wang Zhong's backpack and food box. "Why are you so useless? You're just adding extra weight to your burden."

Wang Zhong was heartbroken. "It's not like that. This path... it feels so strange."

"Just breathe through your skin... forget it. Here, take your belongings."

Wang Lu effortlessly carried Wang Zhong's belongings and continued climbing.

"Why do you feel so much sweat?" he asked.

"You've always been so odd."

“I…”

“Well, it’s finally broken. Good work, Wang Zhong.”

A bookworm knelt down, pleading: “Please don’t say it…”

Ha Yun Fan watched silently, nodding to Wang Lu: “Neither of you are ordinary people. You’ve persisted until now.”

“Is this anything special? In our village, if people can’t even climb the mountain, it’s better to be a pig. And you, as a bookworm, have to carry your luggage? Who’s the master now?”

Ha Yun Fan sighed: “Your demands are too high… Well, let’s just travel together. I’m happy enough. But there’s no such thing as a perfect gathering in the world. Let’s just part ways here.”

“What? Why?” Wang Lu’s eyes widened in disappointment. Throughout this journey, we’ve talked and laughed. This is the first time I’ve ever made a true friend! Before, I joked about climbing the mountain, but maybe… it was sincere.”

“Though we’re mountain climbers, Wang Lu, you haven’t treated Ha Yun Fan like an outsider.”

Ha Yun Fan nodded in agreement. “There’s no need to struggle further. We’ve already reached enough.”

Wang Lu still didn’t understand. “If that’s the case… then I don’t understand… In any case, I’ve found my own place.”

Ha Yun Fan stood beside Wang Lu and whispered: “Be careful, my bookworm. You’ve become proud, but sometimes pride can be a burden.”

A sudden gust of wind blew at that moment, and Wang Lu closed his eyes: “What did you say?”

But when he turned around, Ha Yun Fan was gone. When Wang Zhong inquired, he just shrugged. The surrounding fog thickened, and within a few steps, the world had become blurry and unrecognizable. Wang Lu touched his chin: “Could he have… ascended to heaven?”

“Ha? What do you mean?”

“It doesn’t matter. Let’s keep going… I don’t know when we’ll meet again.”

But they didn’t go far.

It is not the end, nor is it physical exhaustion that has brought me here. It is simply that the young scholar can walk no more.

All of our luggage has already been placed upon Wang Lu's back, but as we continue onward, the scholar's physical strength wanes ever faster. Eventually, he can barely lift his feet off the ground.

"I say... you..."

Before Wang Lu can speak, the scholar hurriedly says, "My lord, you go first. Wang Zhong is incapable, and I can only send you here."

"So I told you not to come in the first place. Now you're showing me this hypocritical face at the critical moment?" Wang Lu can only helplessly watch as Wang Zhong, who is almost paralyzed, remains silent. Finally, he sighs and says, "Well, I can't leave you alone. I'll stay with you for a while. Alas, only a few people are left behind... Even though I don't know what benefit it brings to be first, it is an accomplishment in itself."

Wang Zhong hangs his head in shame. Wang Lu does not say much more. He simply puts down his luggage and sits down on the ground. But as soon as he sits down, the haze around him disperses and a golden glow fades. A steep mountain valley suddenly appears beside him.

Wang Lu opens his mouth wide, staring at the sudden change in his surroundings.

"Is this... a crossing?"